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These signs signal that the person might be experiencing a life-crisis and requires assistance. Itis the responsibility of all leaders and the duty of all soldiers and civilians to watch for thesedanger and warning signs and realize that they might not be capable of helping themselves andtherefore, require immediate action.In addition to the warning signs provided above, there are certain feelings or emotions thatmight precede suicide. The following is a list of possible feelings or attitudes that the individualat risk for suicide might be feeling. This does not suggest that everyone who has these feelingsare at risk, but these feelings persist, then it could signal that the person is having difficultycoping with what ever has initiated the feelings. The most common feelings are:• hopelessness or helplessness• angry or vindictive• guilty or shameful• desperation• loneliness• sad or depressedLeaders, soldiers and civilians must be confident that the “life crisis” has resolved itself beforeassuming that the person is no longer suicidal based solely upon the person’s behavior. Someindividuals might appear to be over their crisis, when in fact, they only appear “normal” becauseof the relief they feel in having decided on how they are going to resolve their problem throughsuicide.2-9. Resources for Living.Certainly, it is important to understand what causes suicide behavior, but it is also vitallyimportant to understand those resources that offer protection against dysfunctional, selfinjuriousbehavior. Tondo and Baldessarini provide the following list of protective factorsagainst suicide.• Intact social supports, including marriage.• Active religious affiliation or faith.• Presence of dependent young children.• Ongoing supportive relationship with a caregiver.• Absence of depression or substance abuse.• Living close to medical and mental health resources.• Awareness that suicide is a product of illness, not weakness.• Proven problem-solving and coping skills.Just as important as recognizing reasons for suicidal behaviors are reasons for living. Jobesand Mann categorized the top reasons for living in the list provided below (in descending orderbeginning with the most prominent).• Family. Any mention of a family member’s love.• Future. Statements that express hope for the future.• Specific plans and goals. Future oriented plans.• Enjoyable things. Activities or objects that are enjoyed.• Friends. Any mention of friends.SH-2-14